Alistar turned to look at Maribel, who was behind Vecna, wearing an Adventurer Attire unlike her Regal Dress, and smiled in an all-knowing fashion.

He knew exactly who this lady was, and obviously would like to resume his interactions to a limited amount because he knew that she had an annoying personality.

So much his grandfather struggled to satisfy this woman, even laying down most of the family's fortunes to assist her in creating her new body after she succumbed to a Curse.

'I don't know what to think, kid. You're too bold for your own good to take a woman like Maribel Ironforge.'

'You even sunk your fangs into her and made her yours.'

'Admirable.'

Meanwhile, Maribel, who had been silently observing the interaction, was intrigued by the hidden dynamics between Vecna and Alistar. She stepped forward and questioned Alistar.

"You should be Alistar, Kolm's grandchild. Why didn't you come to visit me in the past? That's so disrespectful to this Empress. Also, I took down all surveillance devices installed in the Chamber, especially my Workshop."

"It contradicts what you're saying of knowing everything." she said, a tinge of nervousness in her voice.

Alistar chuckled at Maribel's bold questioning, seemingly amused by her candid approach.

'Told you. She has an annoying personality.'

"Ah, Miss Maribel, you are quite the sharp one. Indeed, I am Alistar, but unlike my grandfather, I don't hold any moral duty to keep you company. This is why I left you to your own devices."

"As for how I can still watch inside the Chambers? It's because this place was carved out with the Destruction Aura. As Master of the Aura, I can have direct access inside the Dungeon."

"Don't think too much into it, I only watched the Dungeon again with Vecna's presence. I didn't peek at you or whatever you've been doing for the past century."

"Hmph, you're a mirror to your grandfather. Truly. Even the way you play down major incidents as if you're not at fault." remarked Maribel, her tone laced with sarcasm.

The old man was perplexed and didn't know how to change the subject faster and get going with his new "Disciple". There was so much on the table, so much to teach Vecna that he was overwhelmed when thinking it took him long decades to master the Legacy of his Family.

"Miss Maribel, I know you might be frustrated about the past. In fact, my grandfather told me that he regretted how things turned out between you two and how he blamed himself for failing to produce a higher state for your vessel."

"Yeah sure, regret. It was because of him that I got Trauka mad… Hah, enough. I don't care about past events. However, as for a grudge…"

Her green eyes had a cold sharpness in them, giving off a regal atmosphere as she followed by pointing at Vecna, who remained silent, watching a Drama Show like how his sister was doing in her spare time.

"You better don't play around with this young man, and fulfill your end of the bargain instead of beating around the bush."

"Madam, I have no reason to cheat this boy. Besides, the Siegfried Family is no more. I'm the only pureblood Descendant remaining." replied Alistar, his voice tinged with sadness.

Maribel couldn't help but think the present world held too many events that would surprise her. To think that the Prestigious House of Siegfried, one of the Pillars of the Empire founded by the Saharan Emperor of the Ancient Times, was no more.

It was hard to believe that, but she didn't find Alistar body language to lie.

This time it was Vecna who broke off this silent state with the reveal of Alistar's family misfortune by inquiring about what his Mentorship entails.

Would he teach him this Legendary Technique of Sword of Destruction?

Vecna couldn't contain his curiosity any longer, and he leaned forward, his crimson eyes focused intently on Alistar. "Tell me more about your Mentorship and what it entails," he asked, his voice tinged with eagerness.

Alistar chuckled, his mustache twitching as he did so. "Ohh, that's rare from you young Vampire. Usually you are indifferent to me. As for my Mentorship, it's not something that can be explained in a few words."

"The Mentorship I offer is a journey, a path of growth and discovery," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of wisdom.

"I'm not afraid of hard challenges. And my capability to learn is beyond normal people. This Sword of Destruction shouldn't be hard to understand." he asserted, his voice carrying a hint of arrogance that made Alistar chuckle once more.

The old man's laughter echoed through the underground basement. "What's the hurry, kid? You want to swim when you don't even know how to float on water," Alistar teased, amused by Vecna's eagerness.

"I know how to swim," Vecna retorted, trying to defend his abilities.

"It was a metaphor, kid. You don't have the sword fundamentals to wield the Sword of Destruction," Alistar explained, his voice serious now.

Vecna's expression turned serious as well, realizing the truth in Alistar's words. "It took me decades to reach the state where I can say I succeeded in wielding the Sword of Destruction," Alistar continued, his tone carrying a weight of experience.

"..."

The rejection stung, leaving Vecna silent as he processed Alistar's words. He glanced at the old man with his cold, predatory crimson eyes, trying to decipher his intentions.

"Alright. I understand," Vecna finally replied, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Then would you give me a preview of what I'm about to strive to learn?"

Alistar grinned, seemingly pleased with Vecna's response. "Ehhh, shrewd kid. If this is how much you can handle, then I can show you a glimpse," he said, rubbing his hands together with enthusiasm.

Suddenly, the air around them shifted, and the underground basement seemed to tremble with power. Alistar's mustache twitched with excitement, and he raised his hands, channeling a surge of energy.

Dark and chaotic black-grayish energy began to form, swirling around Alistar as he summoned a fraction of the Sword of Destruction's power. The atmosphere crackled with malevolence, and even Maribel, who had been watching the exchange from a distance, felt a shiver down her spine.

[User's Stats are decreased by 50%]

[User will feel the weight of his inventory bag by two folds.]

Vecna's eyes widened with intrigue and curiosity as he observed the display of power before him. He felt drawn to the energy, like a moth to a flame, and a surge of determination filled him.

Vecna was being forced to the ground while Maribel took a knee down, the point where he didn't like this suppressing feeling, and activated Sanguine World, wrapping himself and Maribel into his Field of Power.

"Now watch closely." Alistar said, his voice steady as he channeled the energy into a condensed form. In his hand, a small, dark blade took shape, exuding a profound sense of destruction.

"This is just a taste of the Sword of Destruction's power. It's not something to be taken lightly, and it will take time, effort, and dedication to wield it properly." Alistar warned, offering the blade to Vecna.

Vecna took the blade cautiously, feeling its weight and the raw power emanating from it. He could sense the immense potential and complexity of the Sword of Destruction, and he knew that he had only scratched the surface.

"Remember, this is just the beginning. You'll have to learn the foundational techniques, master your own emotions, and delve into the true essence of destruction," Alistar advised, his gaze stern and unwavering.

"This would be worth my time." remarked Vecna, still in a trance from experiencing a power that was just as intoxicating as the Blood Magic he used under the Blood Moon.

"Heh. What? You thought I was a scammer? Kids nowadays." Alistar chuckled, amused by Vecna's initial skepticism.

"However, you're not bad at all, kid. You have a power akin to Higher Demons or Higher Angels The Hell Summoning or Divine Sanctuary. That's a lot of potential right there." Alistar added, a hint of pride in his voice.

Vecna stared coldly at Alistar, his Sanguine World taking over the entire underground basement, with Blood Tentacles wrapped around Maribel while he was facing the old man without a sign of fear.

Long had it been, since he feared someone. And by the time he vanquished that fear, he was indifferent to most things. His crimson eyes bore into Alistar's, their gazes locking in an unspoken challenge.

"What's next in this Mentorship? Want me to stick around with you and do chores?" Vecna asked nonchalantly, dismissing his Sanguine World as Alistar returned to his macho old man appearance.

Alistar chuckled heartily at Vecna's suggestion. "And waste your time and mine? No way. Now that I found a successor to my Family Lineage, I think it would be justified if I get involved in your growth." he declared.

"... Meaning?" Vecna inquired, curious about what Alistar had in mind.

"Deliver this to the Guild's Hall Receptionist. This is a recommendation for you." Alistar said, taking out a letter and passing it to Vecna. As he did so, a notification of a new quest popped into Vecna's mind.

[Ding!]

[You have gained a new quest ]

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

[Rapid Growth, The Adventurers Calling (A)]

Rating: A

The mysterious elder, Alistar von Siegfried, who accepted the user as a disciple of his Family Legacy, wants to ensure the younger one's growth. For this, he is willing to employ various methods, from cruel to shameless.

He sends you to the Guild's Hall with a mission, but the smell of a scheme can't fool your sharp senses. Yet you have no way out and must accept your pursuit of the Sword of Destruction.

Quest Clear Condition: Deliver Alistar's Letter to the Guild's Hall.

Clear Rewards: +25.000 EXP, Chain Quest 'Sudden Assessment'

"So, like the old man. Piss experience for the bother of acting like a mule." Vecna muttered to himself, his tone laced with sarcasm.

"Do I have an alternative? Of course, I accept the quest."

[You have accepted the quest.]

Maribel watched Vecna with a mix of curiosity and amusement. She was intrigued by the dynamic between him and Alistar. "Mind if I check the letter?" she asked, reaching out her hand.

"Go ahead, but I doubt you'll understand much," Vecna replied, handing the letter to her. He wasn't sure why Alistar had given him the letter in the first place, but he suspected that it was part of some greater scheme.

"Go ahead, but I doubt you'll understand much."

Maribel scanned the letter, her eyes darting across the words. She couldn't help but chuckle softly at the simplicity of the message.

"Not understand much? Bah, scheming old man. That's clearly some dirty tactic of passing responsibility to another guy." she remarked, handing the letter back to Vecna.

"Such a mentor." she added, her green eyes glinting with mischief, before she got cold when she heard Alistar's chuckle.

"If you have no problem. Get going. Chop, Chop. Time is of the essence." mentioned Alistar as he waved his large, broad hands to dismiss both of them.

"Do I seem like the type to complain?"

"No. You're the type that would hold onto a grudge, until you find the opportunity to take revenge." replied the old man with a shrewd grin, watching as Vecna and Maribel departed from the Underground Basement.

His grin couldn't be contained, as if he was beyond satisfied with the Challenger who prevailed over everything his predecessor settled down.

'He actually won against the Archdemon. My grandfather and father told me to leave that Crow alone in his confinement since it was just a Fragment of his Soul. Yet, for most beings an Archdemon was in the Leagues of Divine Beings.'

'The Suppression Power of the Destruction Aura laid down by grandfather was so potent that it leveled the playfield for both parties.'

'Still, that would mean the little Vampire was at disadvantage. And he won.'

'Fuck me! I don't care if he will destroy the Empire, as long as there is someone worth carrying the Legacy of Siegfried.'

On the other hand, Vecna and Maribel made their way out of the basement, stepping into the cool air of the day.

The red-haired beauty looked around curiously, taking in everything she saw as if it were all new to her. It had been ages since she had been in the Human World, and it felt refreshing to be back.

Vecna, on the other hand, remained silent for the most part, his mind preoccupied with the letter he had received from Alistar. He masked his confusion behind a cold expression, trying to make sense of the old man's cryptic message.

[Old Guard, I'm delivering at your doorsteps a child that I'm looking over. Make sure you give your worst to him, and don't limit yourself.

Consider this letter as my personal endorsement of Vecna. I have high hopes for his future, and I am confident that he will make your guild proud.

You'll understand more once you'll meet him.]

"You're thinking about the letter?" Maribel asked, her voice breaking the silence between them.

"Hmm. It's interesting. The way he addressed this individual is rather close, as if there was camaraderie between the two," Vecna replied, his brow furrowing in thought.

"Oh. I thought you were annoyed about that guy making it hard for you," Maribel said, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Let them make it hard. The harder it gets, the better their rewards will be in the end. Don't you think, Maribel?" Vecna said, his tone confident.

"Afterall, you did make it hard for me. Pushing me into playing Chess against you, while I didn't want to. However, what convinced me were the generous rewards." remarked Vecna sarcastically.

"Now that you mention it. I want my rematch!"

"I've been thinking about how you play, and actually, your starting moves were far better at progressing your chess pieces," Maribel said, determined to have another shot at winning.

"I don't mind teaching you another lesson. But I'm not doing anything for free." Vecna replied, raising an eyebrow.

Maribel hesitated for a moment before smirking. "Fine. I'll give you some rewards as payback. That's if you win against me." she challenged.

[Ding!]

Vecna's attention was drawn to the notification from the game system.

[You have gained a new Quest,]

[The Empress Chasing Victory(A)]

…

Quest Clear Condition: Defeat Maribel at her own Games.

Clear Rewards: +45.000 EXP, +3 Affinity Points with Maribel

Quest Failure: Event 'Maribel's Punishment Games'

He smirked at the contents of the quest, amused by the potential outcomes and rewards. With a predatory glint in his eyes, he accepted the quest.

"Looks like I have another challenge on my hands. But this time, I'll make sure you have no chance to move most of your pieces." he declared confidently.

Maribel teased, trying to hide her excitement. "Hey, hey. Relax. It's only a game."

"Says the one wanting to punish me for losing." Vecna retorted.

"Ahh, it's not what you think of. It's something else that would satisfy both of our curiosities, and I can explain to you. It's like…" Maribel started to explain.

Vecna cut her off. "Maribel, tell me your kinks later. Or if you actually win."

[Quest accepted.]

Maribel pouted for a moment before chuckling. "We'll see about that. I won't go easy on you this time."

As they walked, Maribel felt a sense of familiarity with the training ground they were on. The layout and setup reminded her of the underground chambers she had seen before, where her automatons were used as training dummies from her experience against Vecna.

'Urgh, damned Kolm. You actually used me to make training dummies for your descendants?'

Frustration was visible on her face, but she remained silent, watching as the players showcased their pathetic attacks.

'I'm so glad that someone who isn't even your descendant took the claim as the Successor of your Legacy.' she thought, a hint of satisfaction in her mind.

'Hope you rot alongside Pagma and Braham.' her thoughts carried bitterness.

Vecna sensed Maribel's inner turmoil but decided not to pry.

Instead, he focused on the figure in the dark cloak, who seemed to be Elysia. Her lithe figure was wrapped in the shadows, and her bowstring was pulled as arrows flew with deadly accuracy, hitting the vital spots on the training dummies.

He moved past the players busy with Alistar's starting quest, his vampiric agility ensuring that he went unnoticed.

As he made his way toward the cloaked figure, she was the only one who seemed to sense his presence. She turned around with her bow in hand, firing an arrow in his direction.

But before it could reach him, Vecna effortlessly destroyed the arrow with a Blood Missile, countering her attack.

Elysia's eyes narrowed beneath the shadows of her hood, acknowledging the skill of the newcomer. It was rare for anyone to react to her attacks so effortlessly. Intrigued, she lowered her bow slightly, silently inviting Vecna to engage with her.

"It took you a lot to return, Vecna." Elysia said, looking at him with an annoyed expression.

"Aren't you an Elf? One week should pass like a couple of days for you," Vecna replied nonchalantly.

"Don't go looking for excuses. You told me it wouldn't take you long," Elysia retorted.

"..."

Vecna remained silent momentarily, rare for him, as he stared at Elysia's beautiful face.

He sensed her genuine worry and frustration in her words, and for a fleeting moment, he was reminded of his little sister. Without a word, he vanished from his spot and took Elysia by surprise, holding her by the waist, his tall and strong frame against hers.

"You've missed me?" Vecna teased, his lips inches from her long ear.

"Shut up. Let go of me right now. People are staring at us." Elysia protested, but there was a hint of relief in her voice.

"Let them stare. Hah, I also missed you, my Elysia." he replied, pressing closer to her.

"That would be my blood, you Vampire." she snapped like a Viper, but her words didn't carry much venom.

"That too, but I also missed your presence. I had to deal with such a gruesome liquid to fight my hunger, but only touching you drives me crazy enough to devour you." he whispered calmly into her ear.

Saying that, Elysia who was initially protesting like an angry cat at the touch of her Master, listened to what Vecna had to say, and feeling slightly better, she turned to look at the red-haired woman who walked behind Vecna.

Observing the scene, Maribel walked towards Vecna and Elysia, overhearing their conversation. She reached them just in time to witness Vecna pulling Elysia closer. A mischievous smile crossed Maribel's face as she interrupted their intimate moment.

"Who is she? Another person you captured under your link? How come you found it gruesome to drink blood from such a human woman?" asked Elysia curiously as she observed the newcomer, having the appearance of her enemies.

"It's spoiled blood. I'd rather drink the blood of rats only to escape that turbid taste. She's not a human." Vecna explained coldly, recalling his bad experience when he drank blood from Maribel.

"She's not human? Then a monster you faced when going underground with the old man?" Maribel inquired further.

"Indeed. But she's not a monster. She's a homunculus." Vecna clarified.

Elysia was taken aback by the revelation. "Wow. Really? A homunculus? That's the stuff of legends." she commented with awe.

Maribel then turned to Elysia, who had calmed down from her initial anger, removing herself from Vecna's grasp after failed attempts at stomping his feet, and her eased expression suddenly changed for the worse with just a name coming out from Maribel's lips.

"Lysandra Moonshadow?"

"..."

"No, I could be wrong, it's been hundreds of years." murmured Maribel, oblivious to the changes in temperature, as if she was immune from the emotions of living beings.

The elven woman's face turned frosty, and Vecna sensed the atmosphere shifting for the worse. Elysia's tone grew colder as she asked, "How do you know about that name?"

"Ahh, so I was right." Maribel murmured, seemingly oblivious to the changes in the atmosphere.

Her face brightened up only to turn neutral like her Automatons when Elysia's reply followed suit.

"That's the name of my Mother." Elysia replied, her voice tinged with emotion. Vecna couldn't help but wonder if this encounter would escalate into a heated confrontation.

Then, an internal strife happened inside of him when watching these two girls facing and sizing each other up.

He wanted to let the show continue, curious to find out if his girls would start a pussy fight of fantasy proportions.

His Evil Tendencies were in clash with his morality, especially when considering that they were surrounded by players who eyed him for obvious reasons, getting touchy with the silver-haired beauty.

Thinking about what he should do, with a long sigh, he then clears out his throat and starts his pacifying job.

They were his Blood Servants. He would not let them get dirty in front of other men. Only he could see their fight if that would happen.

"Ahem, let me introduce you both to clear any confusion. Elysia, she is Maribel. Maribel is a person with a lot of experience, who joined me as a Blood Servant. She's the former Empress of Dwarves."

"Maribel, this young woman is Elysia. She is the Princess of the Elven Kingdom of Silvermoon. She's the one I mentioned that you can't compare when it comes to tastes. Similarly, she's my Blood Servant." Vecna continued, trying to emphasize the importance of their roles as his servants.

"Elysia? That makes sense, Lysandra should have matured a lot since our first meeting. To not confuse you, girl, I'm acquainted with your mother.

How is she? How come you got entangled with this bad Vampire?" Maribel asked, genuinely curious and unaware of the tension between them.